Nickel and dime

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Nickel and dime

99 Cents Only Stores Inc., a chain that operates those dollar stores that have thrived in the dismal economy, has agreed to be acquired for about $1.6 billion.

The transaction was not without controversy. After their request to float a personal check until payday

was denied, the buyers had to dig 160 billion pennies out of the coffee can in which they keep spare change.

Game boy: Zynga has expanded its line of Web games played on Facebook as it prepares for an initial public offering by year’s end.

The IPO would interest billionaire investor Warren Buffet, if only he weren’t too engrossed with “Mafia Wars” to notice.

Le Car: An 1884 French-built steam-powered automobile, said to be the world’s oldest running family car, was sold for $4.62 million.

The car is drivable but requires a 45-minute wait for the boiler to reach operating pressure. In contrast, starting up a more modern French car requires a six-week wait for spare parts to arrive in the mail.

— Mark Carlson. Herald staff